Dungarpur: Illegal Construction Continues Unabated in Gep Sagar Lake Catchment Area

Dungarpur: The administration and municipal council's laxity in preventing illegal construction in the Gep Sagar Lake catchment area has come to the fore. Despite issuing notices to 16 individuals, construction work has resumed with impunity, raising questions about the effectiveness of the authorities' actions.

The matter came to light after Rajasthan Patrika's investigative series, "Neer Ka Peer," exposed the illegal construction activities in the catchment area. Subsequently, the municipal council issued notices to 16 individuals, but construction work resumed within a fortnight, with the authorities turning a blind eye to the violations.

Moreover, empty plots in the catchment area have been used to store construction materials, which are being used for the ongoing construction work. The survey team had submitted a report to the inquiry officer, but no action has been taken so far.

When questioned about the inaction, Municipal Commissioner Lokesh Patidar said, "Notices have been issued to those concerned regarding the construction in the catchment area. Despite this, if construction work is ongoing, further action will be taken soon."

The Gep Sagar Lake, located in the heart of Dungarpur city, is a vital water body, and the illegal construction activities in its catchment area pose a significant threat to its ecosystem. The authorities' failure to take concrete action against the violators has raised concerns about the lake's future.

In the absence of effective enforcement, the illegal construction activities are likely to continue, further degrading the environment and ecosystems of the lake. The authorities must take immediate action to stop the illegal construction and restore the lake's catchment area to its original state.